Keep your baby and child safe at home, outside and when travelling with our baby-proofing and child-proofing checklist, tips and advice.
From the poising risk posed by medicines and bathroom cleaning products, to hot water scalds, the risk of drowning and slips and falls, the bathroom has a lot going on when it comes to child-proofing!Always stay with you baby or child when she’s in the bath. She can drown in just few centimetres of water. Also be aware that baby bath seats don’t prevent drowning. If the phone rings or doorbell goes, either ignore it or take your baby with you.You should also never leave your child alone in the bath because she may try to play with the taps. This could see her being scalded by hot water. Putting your toddler at the opposite end of the bath from the taps is always a good idea, as is using a hot tap protector.Check the bath water temperature before popping your child in. A bath thermometer can be handy. When getting out of the bath, there’s a risk of slipping, so always help our child in and out. A large non-slip bath mat may also help.Keep medicines, chemicals, toiletries and cosmetics out of sight and out of reach. Don’t leave them lying around - it’s easy enough to do in the morning rush, so make it a habit to put them away. Buying medicines or cleaning chemicals in child-resistant containers is also helpful. If you can lock them up, do it. Keep chemicals stored in their original containers, and when it comes time to throw out old medicines and chemicals, dispose of them safely. Our detailed article on keeping your toddler safe from medicines can also help.The bathroom radiator or hot towel rails (if you have them) can burn so get a towel or radiator cover.Window locks will let curious kids see out but not climb out, and if you have window blinds, see our piece on the hazards of hanging cords and what to do about them.A toilet lock will stop your toddler or child putting things in (car keys, toys) and getting near any chemical cleaners in the loo. It may possibly stop her trying to climb in if she’s a real adventurer!
